Manager, Process Improv, BB – Corrugated South

WestRock Company; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WestRock Company is seeking a Senior Process Improvement professional to lead multiple Lean Six Sigma teams across locations in Illinois. You will translate process improvements into budgeted financial benefits and guide Green Belts and Black Belts on kaizen and DMAIC projects.

You will align with leadership on priorities, drive 2-4 concurrent projects, and manage >6 projects annually with substantial productivity gains. Strong coaching, financial, and presentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a technical field, preferred.
• 5–10 years of manufacturing/continuous improvement experience.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Strong financial acumen for project value to the P&L.
• Ability to travel up to 90% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead 2-4 project improvement teams concurrently, potentially at multiple locations.
• Execute >6 projects per year with a significant impact on the business (BBs to provide >$1MM productivity).
• Coach multiple Green Belt projects per year.
• Translate process improvement findings into production specifications and standard work.
• Maintain project documentation within the project management system.
• Ensure standards of project execution for DMAIC and kaizen projects are met.
• Consistently identify project opportunities to improve the business.
• Support business unit or divisional initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data-driven decision making

Project leadership

Financial acumen

Mentoring

Communication skills

Education

BS/BA; Technical Degree Preferred

Tools

Minitab

Microsoft Office

Visio

SharePoint

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Lead multiple process improvement teams concurrently utilizing the Lean-Six Sigma Methodology to measurably improve operational and/or business processes. Must work effectively with leadership and the financial community to translate sustainable process improvements into budgeted financial improvements (net productivity impact). May be required to coach and/or support Green Belts and Part Time Black Belts on their kaizen or DMAIC projects. May be required to lead projects impacting customers, customer service and sales personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work with leadership to align on priorities, business needs, project opportunities.
• Lead 2-4 project improvement teams concurrently, potentially at multiple locations (divisional / business unit dependent).
• Execute > 6 projects per year having a significant impact on our business (BBs expected to provide > $1MM in productivity).
• Coach multiple Green Belt projects per year.
• Work effectively with operations to translate process improvement findings into production specifications and standard work.
• Maintain project documentation within the project management system.
• Ensure standards of project execution for DMAIC and kaizen projects are met.
• Consistently identify project opportunities to improve the business.
• Support business unit or divisional initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA; Technical Degree Preferred
• 5 - 10 years of relevant manufacturing / continuous improvement experience
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects in fast paced and dynamic environment using team-based, data-driven approach
• Passion and drive to improve systems and processes
• Demonstrated ability to coach, teach, and mentor technical and non-technical knowledge to hourly and salaried employees to drive business results.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to create financial models used to support project selection and determine net project value to the P&L.
• Proficient with Minitab, Microsoft Office, Visio, and/or SharePoint
• Intermediate knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodology
• Driven with a sense of urgency to achieve results.
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills from the shop floor to executive level
• Skilled Decision maker and Systematic Problem Solver
• Ability to Positively Influence and Persuade Others
• Capable of assuming authority as needed.
• Team builder
• Ability to travel up to 90% of the time to WestRock plants supported in defined geographic area.
• Prefer a subject matter expert within the industry applicable to the division/business unit.
• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.